Budesonide (inhaled)

What it is

Budesonide in inhaled form is a corticosteroid delivered straight into the airways, where it reduces the chronic inflammation and swelling that narrow them. Working locally, it acts mainly in the lungs rather than throughout the body. It is prescribed as maintenance treatment in asthma and in COPD, to prevent attacks rather than relieve one in progress.

Used for

• Asthma
• COPD

Approved uses differ by country — some of these may be off-label or unapproved where you live.

What to know while taking it

The mouth is rinsed after each inhalation, because steroid left on the throat and tongue allows thrush to grow and can leave the voice hoarse. The benefit is preventive and builds up with regular use, so it keeps working only while it is used consistently, and breathlessness in the moment still needs a reliever inhaler.

When to see a doctor

White patches in the mouth, a sore throat, or a hoarse voice that does not clear should be looked at. Worsening breathlessness, or needing the reliever more and more often, means the condition is not controlled and warrants seeing a doctor; the inhaler is not stopped abruptly on one's own.

Worth knowing

• Rinse the mouth after inhaling
• Do not stop abruptly